KKR prepares for IPL 2026 auction
The IPL 2026 auction is approaching and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) may have to take some big decisions. Here's a look at the potential players KKR could release and how the team could shape up.
Add India.com as a Preferred Source
Advertisement
2 times IPL champion to be released by KKR, probable retained player list of Shahrukh Khan's team to be out before...
2-time IPL champions KKR likely to release big names; Shah Rukh Khan’s team’s probable released player list expected ahead of IPL 2026 Auction.
By Ankit Kumar | Updated: July 13, 2025 4:23 AM IST
Players potentially released by KKR
KKR may part with some underperformers or aging players to clear the budget. These include the likes of Venkatesh Iyer, De Kock, Moeen Ali and Andre Russell.
Advertisement
Why can Venkatesh Iyer be dropped?
KKR had spent ₹23.75 crore on Venkatesh Iyer in IPL 2025, but he scored only 142 runs in 11 matches. In such a case, KKR can release them to buy back cheaply.
How was Quinton de Kock’s performance?
KKR had added De Kock after releasing Phil Salt. He scored 97* in the second match but managed only 152 runs in the entire season. In such a situation, KKR may decide to let him go.
Advertisement
Will Moeen Ali get a chance?
Moeen Ali was bought as Sunil Narayan’s backup but didn’t get many chances. Releasing him in such a situation could free up both budget and overseas slots for KKR.
Is the Andre Russell era over?
37-year-old Russell scored just 167 runs in 13 matches in IPL 2025 and took 8 wickets. KKR may release him due to continuous poor form and fitness.
Potential KKR Team Structure For 2026
Retained: Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Angakrish Raghuvanshi, Lavneeth Sisodia, Ramndeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora, Sunil Narine, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakraborty, Umran Malik, Mayank Markande.
KKR’s potential target in the auction
Sanju Samson (replacing Quinton de Kock): If Rajasthan trade Samson, KKR could look at him as both wicketkeeper and captain. Cameron Green (Russell replacement): The Australian all-rounder is effective both with the ball and bat and could be a good replacement for Russell.